Shafali Verma’s Unbeaten Century Powers India into Asian Games Final

Shafali Verma produced a breathtaking batting display, smashing an unbeaten 49-ball century as India stormed into the gold-medal match of the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding victory over Bangladesh.

Batting first, India posted an imposing 195 for 4, with Shafali finishing unbeaten on 100. The explosive opener struck nine sixes and three fours, reaching her maiden white-ball international century from the final delivery of India's innings.

India made a flying start, with Shafali taking the attack to Bangladesh's bowlers from the outset. She raced to 34 from just 17 balls, while Smriti Mandhana provided strong support at the other end.

Mandhana scored a brisk 37 from 19 balls, a knock that also saw her become the leading run-scorer in women's T20Is. The opening pair added 72 runs in 36 balls before Mandhana's dismissal.

Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Shafali at the crease and gradually found her rhythm after a cautious start. The India captain scored 40 from 33 balls, combining with Shafali for a crucial 94-run partnership for the third wicket.

India's middle order had mixed fortunes, with G Kamalini and Richa Ghosh unable to make significant contributions. However, Shafali's late assault ensured India finished with a formidable total.

Bangladesh Struggle in the Chase

Chasing 196 for victory, Bangladesh never looked in control. Dilara Akter top-scored with 27, but Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for a duck, while Bangladesh's middle order struggled to build partnerships.

India's bowlers struck regularly from the beginning. Nandani Sharma claimed the first wicket in the second over before Kranti Gaud struck in the following over. Shree Charani then removed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana during the powerplay, leaving the opposition at 38 for 3.

Nandani returned to pick up two wickets in the 11th over, further exposing Bangladesh's lower order. Deepti Sharma then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Marufa Akter leg before wicket and having Sanjida Akter caught in the 16th over.

Nandani and Deepti both finished with three wickets each, while India's disciplined bowling attack restricted Bangladesh to a modest total.

The victory sends India through to the gold-medal match, where they will face Sri Lanka, in a repeat of the 2023 Asian Games final.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will take on Pakistan in the bronze-medal match.